The garbage disposal is one of the hardest-working appliances in your kitchen, and one of the most abused. Most disposal failures we see are caused by habits, not defects. A few small changes will keep yours grinding happily for a decade or more.
Quick tip: Run cold water for 15 seconds after grinding. It carries the last food particles past the trap and keeps the drain line clear.
The Do’s
Always run cold water before, during, and after grinding. Cold water keeps fats solid so the blades can chop them and the flow can wash them away instead of letting them coat the pipe.
Grind citrus peels now and then to freshen the chamber
Cut large scraps into smaller pieces before they go in
Run the disposal every few days, even briefly, to prevent rust and seizing
The Don’ts
Never pour grease or oil down the drain. It is the number one cause of kitchen clogs we see. Skip fibrous scraps like celery and corn husks, large amounts of starchy peels, coffee grounds, and anything that is not food. And never reach in while the unit has power; use tongs to retrieve dropped items.
Simple Monthly Maintenance
Once a month, grind a tray of ice cubes with a little coarse salt to scour the chamber, then follow with cold water and a squeeze of dish soap. It takes two minutes and keeps odors away.
If It Stops Working
A unit that hums but does not spin is usually jammed, and a silent unit has often just tripped. Press the red reset button underneath before assuming the worst. If it trips again or leaks from the body, give us a call.
